. >> president obama had said that he has pen in hand, he's prepared to sign the middle class tax cuts. >> i think it's important congress act now, i mean right now. >> they're still not paying they're fair share? the people working have to pay even more in order to cover the incompetent errors by the spenders over all these years. >> greta: former speaker of the house newt gingrich joins us, author of the book "victory at your town." why are you telling house republicans to, quote, get a grip? >> i think this whole fiscal cliff language is designed to maximize a sense of fear that's nonsense. the very same people, the congress and president, who invented the fiscal cliff -- this is all an invention -- could break it down into 12 foothills. there are 15 foothills, or 20 foothills. they could tackle one problem at the time. i agree with what i understand senator jeff sessions has said, and i think he'll be on your show later, this ought to be out in the open. we're rushing toward a secret deal made in secret meetings where nobody will know what's going on, and then people will be told,